Less promising, more delivering

Graphics

During national political campaigns, presidential nominees and other politicians practice the same old song-and-dance routine. They inflate their track records and promise voters an assortment of goodies, knowing full well they can't deliver. Apparently, they have forgotten the sage advice of President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

Unfortunately, many of today's politicians have embraced central planning, perhaps assuming that Americans can't steer their own lives. If the nation's founders were alive today they would be stunned by the scope and size of the nanny state.

Currently, many members of Congress are addicted to spending so as to curry favor from constituents. They may be well-intentioned, but good intentions won't steer the nation away from the looming fiscal cliff. While voters feel some comfort being represented by someone who shares most of their values, politicians can't save us from life's challenges.

Policies can be reversed, and favorable legislation often takes ages to implement. By the time programs are set in motion, many communities, families, and individuals could have better solved their own problems. While many politicians want to clean up Washington, Washington ends up changing them.

For example, senators, members of Congress and presidential candidates urge Americans to trust their futures to inadequately funded entitlement programs. Yet these same politicians purchase private health plans and earn wealth through business deals and a variety of investment vehicles.

Folks who run for political office should learn from history in order to gauge the long-term repercussions of their promises. Unfortunately, many politicians appear indifferent or shortsighted because taxes fund their grandiose schemes, and they're eager to spend other people's money.

This is why candidates of the future ought to promise little, yet energetically deliver their best effort. Instead of pandering to voters by promising more programs, candidates should encourage voters to be more self-reliant. They could promise voters that they'll do their best to adhere to the principles of the Constitution, which would be a refreshing change.

Besides their constitutional duties to maintain a strong national defense and preserve natural human liberties, politicians should strive to accomplish what is best for economic freedom as well as for current and future taxpayers. America needs more political leaders who value advancing the national interest over furthering their own self-interest. Indeed, sustaining a pluralist democracy requires an informed electorate and leaders who serve the public interest.

This shift could help Americans outgrow an entitlement mentality while gaining more autonomy for their individual actions. Individuals in a free society are entitled only to a chance to seek opportunities, as well as to create opportunities.

Most folks should have learned by now that reliance on government can have a corrosive effect and often generates disappointment. It is smarter to depend on oneself, the community and God. Local and private solutions to life's challenges are far more effective than red-tape riddled bureaucratic agencies.

A leaner, more responsive Washington could turn over many activities to local governments. Over time, the monumental deficit and national debt could be reduced and gradually eliminated. A balanced budget combined with reasonable regulations are hallmarks of a healthy organization. Therefore, Congress ought to restrain spending during tough times, and spend wisely during good times in order to save for future crises.

Keeping the federal budget balanced would ease the drag on the economy, which could trigger a dynamic recovery. Indeed, confidence rises when hardworking folks can keep more of their hard earned money to invest, save, or spend. Although politicians often talk up a storm, most Americans favor less government intrusion, which translates into greater human freedom.

Indeed, the trust factor among voters will rise as a political philosophy of leaner government and robust national security is articulated. Candidates need to recapture the essence of prudent government as outlined by the founders of our republic. They ought to view government programs, excluding essential services, as a last resort rather than the first resort when confronting economic and social problems.

Promoting civic virtues, faith, family values, free markets, individual enterprise, limited government, responsible liberty, and self-governance is a better way to sustain the American Dream and keep the United States optimistic and free.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.